News & Events

Two learners from Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus (PV-TEC), a Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 school, have earned national recognition after capturing the Gold Medal and National Championship in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) competition at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held June 1-5 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Isaac Giesbrecht and Gage Staples represented Idaho and PV-TEC after qualifying through state competition and went on to compete against 27 other high school EMT teams from across the nation. The competition tested learners' medical knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork, and patient care skills through a written examination and a series of hands-on assessments designed to replicate real-world emergency medical situations.

On Wednesday, competitors completed the first round of competition, where teams were presented with three patient-care scenarios requiring them to assess patients, identify medical conditions, and provide appropriate treatment. Following the first round, Giesbrecht and Staples advanced to the Top 8 teams in the nation and earned a place in Thursday's championship finals.

During the finals, teams faced three additional emergency scenarios that challenged their ability to communicate effectively, think critically under pressure, and provide accurate patient care.

The winners were announced Friday evening during the conference's awards ceremony, where Giesbrecht and Staples learned they had earned the highest overall score in the nation, securing Gold Medals and the National Championship title.

This was a great experience and an honor to represent Idaho, PV-TEC, and Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 on the national stage, said EMT Instructor, Mark Brood. “To advance through the preliminary rounds and ultimately be named national champions is an incredible accomplishment.”

SkillsUSA is the nation's premier career and technical education student organization, providing learners opportunities to develop leadership, workplace, and technical skills through competitions aligned with industry standards. The annual National Leadership & Skills Conference brings together the top career and technical education learners from every state to compete for national titles.

The national title showcases the strength of career and technical education opportunities available at PV-TEC and highlights the readiness of PCSD 25 learners to excel in high-demand healthcare careers.

About Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus (PV-TEC)

Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus (PV-TEC) is the school district's flagship career and technical education campus, providing learners with industry-leading, hands-on experiences that prepare them to excel in college, careers, and life.

About Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 serves more than 11,000 learners across southeastern Idaho and is dedicated to academic excellence, meaningful opportunities, and learner success, empowering every learner to Think More, Learn More, and Be More Together.

Late nights studying, grit and hard work pay off at the end of a school, and it was no different for the learners in the Apparel and Textile pathway at PV-TEC. These learners worked through this trimester on fine tuning their talent for detail. They designed, sewed and then modeled their designs at the 2nd annual PV-TEC fashion show. Friends and family were full of awe and support as the learners radiated confidence in their unique and individualized designs. As Ms. Housley said during the introduction of the show, "Sweat, tears and maybe a little blood has gone into these designs". Their work in apparel and textiles proved her right, and they came out on top! The learners also showed off their business skills, with the pop up shops with individual product they created and put together. 

Cheers to the apparel and textiles students, Brooklyn, Taylor, Karley, Capri, Kayas, Madisyn, Juniper, Keegan and Tess! Amazing accomplishment! 

This past week at PV-TEC the gallery was filled with the laughter and competitive spirit as learners participated in the cornhole tournament. The tournament was spearheaded by students who are enrolled in the Business Hospitality and Tourism course. They were required to plan to the smallest of details, get the word out to the other classrooms at PV-TEC and lastly to execute the tournament. Success was the winner this day, with the PV-TEC gallery filled with energy and excited learners! Thanks to the the learners for putting on a great tournament! 

You’re invited! Join us for the PV-TEC Fashion Show on May 20 at 6:00 p.m.

4200 Hawthorne Road, Chubbuck

Our talented Portneuf Valley Technical Education students will be showcasing original, self‑designed clothing on the runway. After the show, explore each student’s Pop‑Up Shop where you can purchase their creations and support young designers.

Questions? Call 208.235.6807

The following learners took and successfully passed the Fire Skills Assessment, resulting in a 100 percent passage rate for the group:

• Case Brown
• Gabriel Capson
• Fabian Cedeno-Hernandez
• Andrew Cox
• Amelia Curr
• Carlos Gutierrez
• Jenna Jemmett
• Parker Jensen
• Jake Larsen
• Josiah Reynolds

Additional learners recognized:

• Mason Rowberry
• Marek VanderSchaaf
• William Woodin

Not sure where to begin in your plans for the future? PV-TEC offers more than just focused industry classes, with Mrs. Dayley you are able to work on career explorations and foundational skills that will guide you to a future profession.  If you, as a learner, want to learn a trade but are uncertain which pathway to take. Join us in Career Exploration and Employment Preparation at PV-TEC and find your way! 

These learners in career exploration are working on a foundational employment preparation skill, teambuilding! However, we don't just talk the talk, we learn how to apply to hands on experiences, such as these lego towers. 

Second trimester has started, and these PV-TEC learners know how to dive right in! Some of our learners are continuing their 2-trimester programs, while some are beginning a new program. Needless to say these learners are warming up despite the chilly weather, and are already immersed into new knowledge as well as continuing to build upon 1st trimester studies. Instructors and learners alike are anxious to see what 2nd trimester can bring! #wegotthis #youbelonghere #PCSD25 

This last week PV-TEC learners in a variety of programs were able to get hands-on experience with technical skills training. They are preparing for certification exams, class finals and fulfilling careers. Culinary arts learners decorated their own bakery cookies. The pharmacy tech program this past week practiced providing vaccinations, while the photography class worked on their camera skills. Firefighter learners were able to get in gear and practice ladders and extinguishing, while Nursing Assistant learners practice body mechanics with a guest speaker, Lindsey Pratt, PTA instructor from ISU. And of course we don't forget our love for our animals, the Vet tech assistant learners worked on fine tuning their equine dental care. These learners are growing confidence in their skills and just waiting to see what they learn next! 

We love seeing our PV-TEC students getting real-world experience and exploring future pathways in nursing! Thank you to Idaho State University College of Technology for giving our students the opportunity to see what’s next after earning their CNA. #PCSD25 #FutureNurses

Please join the Chubbuck Police Department in celebrating a milestone with the addition of our community’s first School Resource Officer, Casey Hollowell.

Earlier this year, we learned that School District 25 had applied for and been approved to receive a state grant to help fund the addition of a School Resource Officer (SRO) at our local Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus (PV-Tech).

We have since been working closely with the school district to make this opportunity a reality. Officer Hollowell also completed the basic SRO course and, in addition to serving our community’s schools as an SRO, he will also be serving as our new DARE Officer.

If you don’t know, PV-Tech is a regional career technical education center (CTE) for southeast Idaho that offers 21 CTE pathways for our youth, 14 leading directly to entry level employment opportunities.

PV-Tech learners are introduced to business partners, have leadership opportunities, and gain professional development preparing them to be young professionals in their selected career field.

We can’t thank the school district enough for foreseeing the need for an SRO in our community and for helping this become a reality. We can tell you firsthand that Officer Hollowell is extremely excited about having the opportunity to interact with our community’s youth in such a positive environment.

Thank you, Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, we tip our hats. Congratulations Officer Hollowell, we are all proud of you!

Learn More about PV-TEC.

Source: Chubbuck Police Department

We’re thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Portneuf Valley Technical Education & Career Campus! This marks an exciting new chapter for our community—empowering students, supporting local industry, and shaping the future of hands-on education in Southeast Idaho. Thank you to everyone who made this day unforgettable!

By Courtney Fisher

There comes a moment in every parent’s life when they recognize the true significance of a child’s education. It’s not just about grades or test scores—it’s about finding a place where their child belongs, grows, and thrives. For generations, families in Pocatello and Chubbuck have chosen PCSD 25 for precisely that reason.

Personally, I have experienced this district and its schools from all angles—as a student walking its halls from Kindergarten through graduation, as a daughter visiting my mother’s classroom, as a substitute teacher while attending graduate school, as a mother entrusting my children to its care, as an employee dedicated to its mission, and as a taxpayer invested in its future. Through every lens, one truth remains constant: PCSD 25 is more than a school district. It is a community where students grow, achieve, and belong.

Belonging looks different for every student, but the impact is the same—it shapes confidence, fosters friendships, and creates lasting connections. For me as a student at Pocatello High School, I found belonging on the track, the cheerleading squad, and in the pursuit of academic excellence. My oldest daughter discovered belonging at Highland High School through debate, soccer, and her love of f(x) in calculus. My youngest found her place in the CTE dental assistant program, where hands-on experience prepared her for her future, and in the friendships that supported her along the way. Whether through athletics, academics, career training, or the relationships built in and out of the classroom, every learner in PCSD 25 has the opportunity to find where they belong.

The reality is clear: Idaho families have more educational choices than ever before. Part of the narrative surrounding the advent of educational choice is the misguided premise that public schools are failing Idaho kids. That claim rings flat for me. I know better. I have seen firsthand the impact of dedicated educators, the success of students who rise to every challenge, and the strong outcomes that tell a different story. This is due, in large part, to PCSD25’s combination of academic excellence, extracurricular enrichment, and community connection.

As the fifth-largest district in Idaho, PCSD 25 has been at the heart of our community for nearly 140 years, shaping generations of learners and preparing them for bright futures. With a 92.1% graduation rate—the highest among large districts in the state—our students consistently excel in English, math, and science, proving the strength of our rigorous academic programs. From foundational learning in elementary school to Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities that save families thousands in tuition, we equip students with the tools to succeed.

Beyond academics, PCSD 25 offers 25 Career-Technical Education pathways, providing hands-on experience and industry certifications that lead to high-paying careers. The district’s commitment to innovation includes 1:1 technology access, ensuring every student is prepared for a rapidly evolving world. And with upgraded performance fields, modern learning spaces, and a strong emphasis on extracurricular enrichment, students have countless opportunities to explore their passions.

What truly sets PCSD 25 apart is its unwavering commitment to every learner. Its schools are more than buildings; they are the heart of our community—places where learners feel safe, supported, and inspired. PCSD 25 educators, recognized nationally with honors like the Milken Educator Award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, foster an environment where every learner—regardless of background, ability, or aspiration—has access to a high-quality education.

Beyond the classroom, PCSD 25 cultivates a culture of belonging, safety, and support. Our partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, including a dedicated and expanding School Resource Officer program, reinforce our commitment to secure and welcoming schools. We believe in fostering relationships that make a difference—where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive. With upgraded performance fields, auditoriums, and modern learning spaces, our schools provide dynamic environments where students can pursue excellence in academics, arts, and athletics.

As a public school district, PCSD 25 remains rooted in the community, committed to transparency, equity, and accessibility. The district delivers high-caliber programs and achievement often associated with private institutions—without financial or geographic barriers. Every family deserves access to outstanding education, and PCSD 25 schools offer tailored learning options that meet the unique needs of every child.

At the heart of it all is a fundamental truth: belonging shapes success. Whether a student finds their place in athletics, academics, career training, or the friendships formed along the way, PCSD 25 fosters an environment where every learner can grow, connect, and thrive. This district has done that for me, for my children, and for thousands of families before and after us.

PCSD 25 is more than a school district; it is a promise. A promise to invest in our children, our future, and our community. Here, every child belongs, and every success story begins. Public education with purpose. Community with heart. Excellence for all.

Courtney Fisher has served as the Director of Communications for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 since 2018. Courtney is a native of Pocatello, graduate of Pocatello High School, and founding member of Kind Community.

Electives Fair

Thursday, January 30 - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Thursday, February 6 - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Location: 4200 Hawthorne Rd.

All PCSD 25 current high school learners and incoming freshman are welcome.

Eight local RNs gathered together for a day of training with the CNAs at PV-TEC. They bring over 200 years of combined experience, including backgrounds in Life Flight, ICU, and emergency rooms, as well as a special day of service from a Disneyland nurse.

We appreciate your dedication to our community and your willingness to share your expertise at PV-TEC!

The Portneuf Valley Technical Education and Career Campus (PV-TEC), part of the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 (PCSD 25), learned Wednesday that it has been awarded a $6.5 million grant from the Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) program. The grant represents the largest award during the second round of grants this year.

The Idaho Career Ready Students Program Council met Wednesday and approved 11 of 41 proposals for career technical program grants for schools and districts across Idaho. Created during the March 2023 legislative session, the Career Ready Students Program, HB267, carved out $45 million to incentivize “districts to create instruction that provides focused training to prepare students to meet the needs of local industry and workforce partners.”

PCSD 25 plans to use the $6.5 million grant to fund the expansion of the PV-TEC facility, which the district purchased in 2022. The grant was submitted on behalf of PV-TEC by Rhonda Naftz, the school’s administrator and Sue Pettit, the district’s Director of Secondary Education.
Naftz, who has been instrumental in executing the district’s vision for career technical education and career path programming, said, “I am incredibly grateful to the State of Idaho and the grant committee for embracing the PV-TEC vision. The ICRS grant award of $6.5 million will build classrooms and shops for learners to gain industry skills and knowledge while in high school. Our CTE students gain a community of like-minded learners and a place of belonging. This facility and the learning that takes place inside of it will offer opportunities for generations of Idahoans.”
According to a press release from the Idaho State Department of Education, the council favored PV-TEC because this was the only area in Idaho without a regional Career Technical Center. PV-TEC will serve students from communities that do not have facilities in their own area to access CTE training.

The ICRS program reflects a historic $45 million investment in Idaho CTE. Grants are designed to increase the capacity of CTE in middle and high schools (grades 7 – 12) across the state by incentivizing districts to create programs that prepare students to meet local and regional industry workforce needs. ICRS funds are separate from the Division of Career Technical Education and reduce reliance on federal funds for CTE programs.

The council received over $26.5 million in requests — 13 received for existing programs, 19 for new programs, and nine for capital project support (new facilities or significant improvements to existing facilities). The bulk of financial requests, $23.5 million, fell under support for capital projects.
 

When is the first day of school for the 2026/2027 school year?

• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 for Grades 1-12
• Thursday, August 27, 2026 Kindergarten First Day (Group A)
• Friday, August 28, 2026 Kindergarten First Day (Group B)
• Back to School FAQ will be updated for the 2027/2028 school year after July 1, 2027.

How do I apply for my child to receive free and reduced meals?

Online Application Instructions

• Free and reduced meals will continue to be provided for those learners who qualify during the 2025-2026 school year. To qualify for free and reduced meals, parents and guardians are encouraged to fill out the free and reduced meal application after July 1, 2025. For more information refer to our Food Services website

When is the last day of school for the 2026/2027 school year?

• Thursday, June 3, 2027

When is graduation for the Class of 2027?

• New Horizon High School: Thursday, June 3, 2027 6:00 p.m.
• Century High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 
• Pocatello High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 
• Highland High School: Friday, June 4, 2027 

When do I find out about transfers?

• The elementary transfer meeting is Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
• Secondary schools transfers are notified within 60 days of submission of the application.

How do I transfer my learner?

New Elementary Transfer Form coming soon.

High School/Middle School Transfer Application coming soon.

When is registration?

• Learners who are new to PCSD 25: Register online by completing the Online Registration. After completing the registration online, call your neighborhood school after August 3 to confirm.

• In-Person new elementary school registration:

  Learners entering grades K-5 who are brand new to the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 may enroll for the 2026-2027 school year in-person on Thursday, August 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  Families are required to provide their learner’s birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residence. Please note: moving into or living within a school boundary does not ensure placement at a specific school. All school placements are based on available space in that grade level at that school. Visit Find My Enrollment to find your home school. 

When is schedule pick-up for middle school and high school learners?

• High School Schedule Pick-up
  • August 12 and 13, 2026
    • 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

• Middle School Schedule Pick-up
  • August 12, 2026
    • 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • August 13, 2026
    • 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

When is Back to School Night?

• Middle School Back to School Night is August 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

School	Date	Time
Chubbuck Elementary	Coming soon
Edahow Elementary	Coming soon
Ellis Elementary	Coming soon
Gate City Elementary	Coming soon
Greenacres Elementary	Coming soon
Indian Hills Elementary	Coming soon
Jefferson Elementary	Coming soon
Lewis & Clark Elementary	Coming soon
Syringa Elementary	Coming soon
Tendoy Elementary	Coming soon
Tyhee Elementary	Coming soon
Wilcox Elementary	Coming soon
Lincoln Early Childhood Center	Coming soon

Where is my bus stop?

• Elementary Boundaries
• Middle School Boundaries
• High School Boundaries

What time does my child’s school start? What time does my child’s school dismiss?

Start and Dismissal Times for Schools

What school supplies will my child need this year?

Elementary School Supplies

Middle School Supplies

High School Supplies are listed on the course syllabus

Where is the 2026-2027 school calendar located?

2025-2026 School District 25 Calendar

What are the upcoming school closure dates? (No School)

• ALL Grades: Monday, September 7, 2026 - Labor Day
• Grades K-5: Thursday & Friday, October 1 & 2, 2026 - Parent Teachers Conferences
• Grades 6-12: School will be in session Thursday, October 1. Closed Friday, October 2, 2026 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Development 
• ALL Grades: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - Election Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, November 19, 2026 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, November 20, 2026 - Teacher Professional Development Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, November 23 - 27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Break
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, December 21 - January 1, 2027 - Winter Break. School resumes Monday, January 4, 2027.
• ALL Grades: Monday, January 18, 2027 - Idaho Human Rights Day / Martin Luther King Jr., Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, February 5, 2027 - Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Development/Registration
• ALL Grades: Monday, February 15, 2027 - President's Day
• ALL Grades: Friday, March 5, 2027 - End of Trimester/Record Day
• ALL Grades: Monday - Friday, March 22 - 26, 2027 - Spring Break
• ALL Grades: Monday, May 31, 2027 - Memorial Day
• ALL Grades: Thursday, June 3, 2027 - Last Day of School

What is the best way to monitor my child’s progress during the school year?

• Parent engagement has a direct correlation to student success. PCSD 25 parents can log into the Campus Parent Portal and stay engaged with information at-your-fingertips throughout the school year. Parent favorites include:
  • Access to student grades 
  • Review attendance and absences 
  • Monitor assignments due or upcoming exams 
  • Notifications for School/District Announcements 
  • Lunchroom information 
• To download the Campus Parent Portal app on your mobile phone. Visit the App or Play Store on your mobile device and search for “campus parent portal”. If you need login information, please contact the Help Desk: (208) 235-3219.

We are thrilled to announce our 2026 Simplot Inspirational Teachers of the Year— Matt Anderson (Century High School), Amy Mann (Alameda Middle School), and Sheena Phelps (Jefferson Elementary)!

These incredible educators were nominated by learners who see firsthand the passion, creativity, and care they bring to the classroom every day. Their ability to inspire, innovate, and build lifelong skills truly sets them apart.

This year, 2,204 nominations were submitted honoring 407 amazing teachers across District 25—proof of the extraordinary talent in our schools. Over the past two weeks, 15 more exceptional finalists were each recognized and presented with a $100 award in appreciation of their dedication and impact.

Matt, Amy, and Sheena were celebrated today at their schools and awarded $500 from the Simplot Education Council in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Thank you to J.R. Simplot Co. and the Simplot Education Council for championing our teachers and uplifting the work they do for our learners and community.

First Friday Art Walk | MAY 1, 2026 | 5-8:00 p.m. | Gate City Coffee

Artwork | Poetry | Photography & Photo Stories
Pottery & Sculpture | Musical Composition and More

Artwork awards sponsored by the SD25 Education Foundation

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 invites the community to experience America Through the Eyes of Our Learners, a special Fine Arts Exhibition celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will take place during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gate City Coffee (320 W. Center Street). The event will feature more than 200 pieces of original artwork and creative expression from learners across School District 25.

Live student musical performances will also be featured during the event at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The exhibition features submissions from learners in grades K–12, with works developed through classroom and individual creative efforts across a variety of mediums, including visual art, photography, multi-media creations, and poetry.

The event is part of a broader effort by the PCSD 25 Board of Trustees to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by creating opportunities for learners to explore, reflect on, and share what the nation’s history and ideals mean to them today.

Awards will be presented across multiple categories and grade levels, including Best in Show and People’s Choice Awards, with more than $2,000 in prizes recognizing learner achievement and creativity.

Awards for the competition are proudly sponsored by the School District 25 Education Foundation, whose support helps make opportunities like this possible for learners across the district.

This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice, said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations and the Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners are sharing their perspectives, their creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. We’re proud to showcase that with our community.”

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice voting during the event and help select winning entries. Community members can also support future opportunities for learners by connecting with the Education Foundation during the event.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Please join us in congratulating Benjamin Cody on his selection as Principal of Century High School. Cody will succeed Sheryl Brockett, who is retiring following years of dedicated service to the Century High School community. This administrative change will take effect July 1, 2026.

Benjamin Cody currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Century High School. He brings fourteen years of experience in education, including four years in school leadership. During his time at Century, Benjamin has been a key member of the administrative team, contributing to the development of school culture, strengthening special education systems, and building aligned instructional practices.

Benjamin began his career as an English teacher, where he developed a strong foundation in literacy, learner engagement, and classroom instruction. His transition into administration has been marked by a focus on creating systems that support both learner achievement and strong professional collaboration among staff.

A lifelong member of the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 community, Benjamin was born and raised in Pocatello and is a graduate of Highland High School. He earned both his Bachelor’s degree in English and his Master’s degree in Pre-K–12 Education Administration from Idaho State University. He has served the district for 12 years, and his connection to the community continues through his two children who attend district schools.

Benjamin expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating: “Century has always been a special place to me—not just professionally, but personally. I’m honored to step into this role and continue building systems that support our learners, align our staff, and ensure every learner has access to meaningful opportunities for success.”

PCSD 25 Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell shared his confidence in Cody’s leadership, stating: Benjamin’s deep roots in our community, combined with his commitment to strong systems and collaborative leadership, make him the right choice to lead Century High School. He understands what it means to be More Together, and I am confident he will continue to build on the strong foundation already in place.

By Courtney Fisher

Neighborhood schools shape more than education — they shape childhood, community, and the friendships that last a lifetime.

When I was a student at Indian Hills Elementary in the 1980s, the upper stretch of Country Club Drive wasn’t paved and lined with homes the way it is today. It was a craggy dirt road — the kind best suited for off-roading — bordered by open fields. I lived in the upper Johnny Creek neighborhood, and most mornings my friends and I climbed onto the bus together, sharing stories from the day before, laughing about playground adventures, planning whose house we’d hang out at after school, and hoping it would be a good lunch day with chocolate peanut butter bars. 

Getting to school took a little longer in those days. Without today’s straight shot down the hill, our bus hugged the tight curves of Johnny Creek Road before heading south on Bannock Highway—a route that added miles and minutes to the trip compared to the bus routes children ride today.

On warm spring days, my brother and I rode our bikes instead, gripping our handlebars as we bounced along the rutted road until it gave way to smoother pavement, where we’d coast the rest of the hill toward a building that felt as familiar as home.

Indian Hills looked different then. The school was organized in a mix of open pods and closed classrooms — a different approach to learning spaces than we see today. But what hasn’t changed in nearly 40 years is how that school made me feel.

I felt welcomed. I felt known. I belonged.

Those neighborhood friendships extended beyond the classroom. We played on the same teams, attended the same birthday parties, and sang and danced — and yes, even clogged — in the same community groups. We grew up together.

Many of those friendships still exist today. In fact, one of those neighborhood friends, Mrs. Baird, now teaches kindergarten at Indian Hills — welcoming a new generation of learners into the same community that shaped us.

Years later, my own children walked through the doors of Indian Hills.

They formed tight-knit friendships with classmates who lived just down the street. They played on the same teams. They found teachers who knew their strengths and encouraged their growth. They experienced the same sense of belonging that shaped my childhood.

Neighborhood schools are more than buildings. They are anchors of community — where children form their first friendships, build confidence, and begin to understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Today, the dirt road is gone. The fields are neighborhoods. Classrooms have evolved. Technology is integrated. Instruction is more research-based than ever before. But when I walk into Indian Hills — through the same hallways I once walked — I still see what matters most: relationships.

At Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, we believe strong foundations start with belonging.
Kindergarten is often a child’s first experience in structured learning outside the home — a milestone for children and parents alike. That first day brings excitement, but also uncertainty.

Neighborhood schools ease that transition.

When children attend school close to home, they see familiar faces at the park, at community events, and on their own street. Classmates become teammates, neighbors, and often lifelong friends. Parents build relationships with families who share the same sidewalks and routines.

Inside those classrooms, our educators focus on the whole child.

PCSD 25’s kindergarten classrooms are built on safe, welcoming environments where every learner is known and supported. Teachers use proven instructional practices to help students understand not only what they are learning, but how they learn best. Structured routines, play-based exploration, and strong early foundations in literacy and math nurture curiosity and confidence.

The results speak for themselves.

PCSD 25 ranks among the districts with the highest graduation rates among large school districts in Idaho while maintaining one of the highest teacher retention rates. Those outcomes do not begin in high school. They begin in kindergarten classrooms — where children first discover they are safe, valued, and capable.

Public neighborhood schools also reflect something essential: accountability and access. There is no tuition. No barriers. Our schools are rooted in the communities they serve and committed to supporting every learner.

As someone who once rode the bus down a dirt road to Indian Hills — and later watched my own children grow in those same hallways — I see the continuity clearly. School has changed. Our community has grown. Our tools have advanced. But the heart of our neighborhood schools remains the same.
They are places where children belong.

Online kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open, with in-person visits to complete the process scheduled on April 2. If you are considering where your child will begin their educational journey, I encourage you to look close to home.

Strong communities build strong schools. Strong schools build confident learners.

And in PCSD 25, your neighborhood school is ready to welcome your family — just as Indian Hills once welcomed me.

You belong here.
                                      
Courtney Fisher is the Director of Communications & Community Relations for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, where she also serves as the Director of the SD25 Education Foundation. A native of Pocatello and graduate of PCSD 25, she is passionate about strengthening local public education. Courtney and her husband, Ethan, are the proud parents of two daughters, both now in college.